Sony PCV-RX3 User Manual
Sony VAIO Desktop
User Guide
PCV-RX3 series
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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
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Notice
© 2002 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-
readable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby
expressl y disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose w ith regard to this manual, the
software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special dam ages,
whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or the use thereof.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without
notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
Trademarks
Sony, DigitalPrint, DVgate, i.LINK and the i.LINK logo, Sony Style Imaging, Simple DVD Maker, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, UI Design
Selector, VAIO Action Setup, VAIO System Information, SonicStage, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo
are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection.
Microsoft, Microsoft Works, Windows and the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook are trademarks or registered trademarks
of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Adobe, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under license. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.
RealPlayer is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
Symantec Norton Antivirus is a trademark of Symantec.
DVDit! is a trademark of Sonic Solutions.
PowerDVD is a trademark or registered trademark of CyberLink Corporation.
RecordNow DX is a trademark or registered trademark of VERITAS.
All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not
specified.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
ENERGY STAR
As an ENER GY STAR® Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency. The
International Energy Star® Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of
computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that
effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted
products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform
among participating nations.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
®
Environmental information
Halogenated flame retardant is not used in cabinets.
Cushions formed by corrugated board are used in packaging.
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Safety information
Owner's record
The model number and serial number are located on the back panel of your Sony VAIO desktop. Record the serial number in the space
provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO-Link.
Serial number: ________________________
Model name: PCV-RX301 / PCV-RX302 / PCV-RX304 / PCV-RX305 / PCV-RX306
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Warnings
General
❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO desktop to rain or moisture.
❑ If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak.
❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.
❑ The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily
accessible.
❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They
can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your
computer near or on any objects, which emit magnetic fields, mainly:
❑ TV sets
❑ Speakers
❑ Magnets
❑ Magnetic bracelets.
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Audio/video
❑ Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Connectivity
❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm.
❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
❑ Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines.
❑ To disconnect your VAIO desktop completely from the mains voltage, unplug the power cable.
❑ Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
Optical disc drive
The use of optical instruments can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to the
eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.
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Regulatory information
Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European
Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in the following areas: residential, commercial, and light industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer
than 3 metres (9.8 feet).
Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations flyer.
There is visible and invisible radiation when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. The CD-RW/CD-ROM
and DVD-RW/DVD-ROM disc drives* are classified as CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTS and comply with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN
60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1
* The type of disc drive depends on your model
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Disposing of batteries
Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery that should not have to be
replaced during the lifetime of the product. If you want to replace the battery, please contact VAIO-Link:
http://www.vaio-link.com
❑ Keep away from children.
❑ Dispose of the battery properly at its end-of-life.
❑ In some areas the disposal of non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
Please use the public waste collection system.
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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO desktop. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio,
video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are the main features you will be able to enjoy:
❑ Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, an internal modem, and a fast Ethernet
interface.
❑ Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two drives; depending on your model you have both a DVD-RW and
a CD-ROM* drive, or a CD-RW and DVD-ROM drive built into the system.
❑ Sony audio and video quality – The high-quality external stereo speakers enable you to take
advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
❑ Sony Memory Stick™ media slot – The next generation in digital storage allows you to easily transfer
images, sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more.
❑ VAIO keyboard - Featuring power-on capabilities and shortcut keys to launch your favourite
applications within seconds.
❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bi-directional
digital interface for exchanging data with compatible devices, such as camcorders.
❑ Windows
Microsoft.
❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check
the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link either by e-mail or by telephone, please try to solve the problem by reading
the User Guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.
* Models PCV-RX305 and PCV-RX306 only
®
XP Home Edition - Your system includes the latest consumer operating system from
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Documentation pack
Your documentation pack contains printed user guides, as well as online user guides presented on a
documentation CD-ROM.
Printed documentation
The printed part of your documentation pack contains the following:
❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, some
specifications of your VAIO desktop, and how to set up your computer;
❑ A Customer Guide, where you will find all the basic information to start using your VAIO desktop, as
well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information;
❑ Yo u r Sony Guarantee conditions;
❑ A Safety Regulations Guide for your information;
❑ A Modem Regulations flyer applying to the modem.
Online documentation
The online documentation contains the following guides:
1 The Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide:
❑ Using your VAIO desktop shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this
part of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.
❑ Connecting peripheral devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various
peripherals.
❑ Getting help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.
❑ Precautions provides facts and advice about using your VAIO desktop.
❑ Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.
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2 The Software Guide:
❑ About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your
system.
❑ Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart
Capture.
❑ Managing audio files with SonicStage describes how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and
WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.
❑ Using DigitalPrint explains how to get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken with a
digital camera.
❑ Customizing your VAIO computer explains how to set up your system's display and so on.
❑ Installing and updating applications details how to install, run or uninstall a software
application.
❑ Managing drivers describes how to install, update or uninstall a driver.
❑ Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery.
❑ Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives.
3 Refer to the Specifications online document for details on your computer, drivers and accessories.
4 In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,
including specific contact numbers and addresses for each country.
5 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and
troubleshooting.
6 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows®.
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Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories
The following hardware items are in the box*:
1 main unit 6 AC adapter and power cable for the
speakers (country-specific)
2 VAIO keyboard with palmrest 7 VAIO wheel mouse
3 power cable (country-specific) 8 speakers
4 phone cable* (country-specific) 9 documentation pack with CD-ROM
5 phone plug adapter* (country-specific) 10 product recovery CD-ROMs
✍ * See the Specifications online document.
*Used to connect the internal modem. Please read the section Using the correct phone plug (page 32) before connecting hte modem.
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Ergonomic considerations
Whenever possible, try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new
computer, whether at home or in the office:
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❑ Position of the keyboard and mouse – Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your
forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or
mouse – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Use the palm rest only briefly,
to relax your wrists when you are not typing. Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard and use
your whole arm to move it.
❑ Position and viewing angle of the monitor – Set the display at a comfortable viewing distance (3).
Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower. Use the display’s tilting feature, if available,
to find the best position. You can reduce eye-strain and muscle-fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display
to the proper position. Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display.
❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support (4). Adjust the level of the chair so your
feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture
and avoid slouching forward or leaning too far backwards.
❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display.
Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots reflecting on the display. You can also purchase accessories for
your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
❑ Ven t ilation – Make sure you leave at least 25 cm of space behind and on the left of the main unit (5).
❑ And finally – Remember to have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the
computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Using your VAIO desktop
Using your VAIO desktop
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and
external devices.
❑ Locating controls and connectors (page 14)
❑ Starting your computer (page 18)
❑ Shutting down your computer (page 19)
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
❑ Using the keyboard (page 20)
❑ Using the shortcut keys (page 25)
❑ Using the mouse (page 26)
❑ Using the CD and DVD drives (page 27)
❑ Using the floppy disk drive (page 30)
❑ Using the modem (page 31)
❑ Expansion capabilities (page 33)
❑ Using Memo ry Stick™ (page 34)
❑ Using PC Cards (PCV-RX306 only) (page 43)
❑ Using power saving modes (page 45)
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Using your VAIO desktop
Locating controls and connectors
Front panel (PCV-RX301 / PCV-RX302 / PCV-RX304 / PCV-RX305)
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
DRIVE
while reading and writing data from
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1 DVD-RW/DVD-RW drive* (page 27)
2 CD-ROM/CD-RW drive* (page 27)
3 floppy disk drive (page 30)
4 floppy disk drive indicator (page 30)
5 disc drive indicator (page 27)
6 hard d isk drive indicator (page 18)
7 power button and indicator (page 18)
8 DVD-RW/DVD-RW drive eject
button
9 CD-ROM/CD-RW eject button (page 27)
10 Memory Stick™ slot (page 34)
11 Memory Stick™ indicator (page 34)
12 floppy disk eject button (page 30)
13 2 USB ports (page 51)
14 4-pin i.LINK™ port (page 53)
(page 27)
* Depending on your model. See Specifications for
details.
Using your VAIO desktop
Front panel (PCV-RX306 only)
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
DRIVE
while reading and writing data from
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1 DVD-RW dr ive (page 27)
2 CD -ROM drive (page 27)
3 floppy disk drive (page 30)
4 floppy disk drive indicator (page 30)
5 DVD-RW/ CD-ROM drive indicator (page 27)
6 hard disk drive indicator (page 18)
7 power switch and indicator (page 18)
8 PC Card slot (page 43)
9 DVD-RW eject button (page 27)
10 CD-ROM eject button (page 27)
11 Memory Stick™ slot (page 34)
12 Memory Stick™ indicator (page 34)
13 floppy disk eject button (page 30)
14 2 USB ports (page 51)
15 4-pin i.LINK™ port (page 53)
Using your VAIO desktop
Back panel (PCV-RX302 / PCV-RX304 / PCV-RX305 / PCV-RX306)
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1 mouse connector (page 26)
2 keyboard connector (page 20)
3 USB connector (page 51)
4 USB connector (page 51)
5 Et hernet connector (page 56)
6 printer connector (page 52)
7 i.LINK™ 6-pin connector (page 53)
8 serial connector /
9 headphones connector (page 49)
10 line-in connector /
11 microphone connector (page 50)
12 AC input connector /
13 VGA monitor connector (page 49)
4
3
2
1
14 AGP slot (page 33)
15 PCI slot (page 33)
16 PCI slot (page 33)
17 Modem slot (page 33)
18 telephone line connector (page 31)
✍ The mains power cord and connector are
hazardous voltage according to EN60950.
Using your VAIO desktop
Back panel (PCV-RX301)
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1 m ouse connector (page 26)
2 keyboard connector (page 20)
3 USB connectors (page 51)
4 Ethernet connector (page 56)
5 printer connector (page 52)
6 i.LINK™ 6-pin connector (page 53)
7 serial connector /
8 headphones connector (page 49)
9 line-in connector /
10 microphone connector (page 50)
11 AC input connector /
12 VGA monitor connector (page 49)
13 1 PCI slot (page 33)
14 2 PCI slots (page 33)
4
3
2
1
15 Modem slot (page 33)
16 telephone line connector (page 31)
✍The mains power cord and connector are
hazardous voltage according to EN60950.
Using your VAIO desktop
Starting your computer
Once you have all the components set up as described in the Getting Started guide, you can begin to use
your computer.
To start up your computer, proceed as follows:
1 Press the power button on the system unit until the blue power indicator light turns on (1).
2 Press the power button on your monitor to turn the display on (2).
3 Press the power button on the speakers to turn the sound on (3).
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Once you have started using your computer, you can use the shortcut keys on the keyboard to start your
system and launch your favourite application automatically.
✍ If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch itself off and you risk losing unsaved data.
Using your VAIO desktop
Shutting down your computer
It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.
To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Start button.
2 Click Turn Off Computer.
The Turn off computer screen appears.
3 Click Tu rn Off.
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.
The power indicator turns off.
4 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.
✍ Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users.
If you are unable to shut down your computer;
- Close all software in use.
- Disconnect any USB devices.
- Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> at the same time. If you have not changed the default setting, you will enter the Tas k M anage r. Select Tur n
Off from the Shut Down menu to turn the computer off.
Alternatively, press <Alt>+<F4> and select Tur n Off from the screen that appears.
If this does not work, you can press the power button for more than four seconds. This will shut down the computer. This operation may result in loss
of data.
If you want to shut down the computer for a short period only, you can save power by using the Standby mode. Go to Start, Turn Off Computer,
and select Stand By (see Using power saving modes (page 45) for details).
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Using your VAIO desktop
Using the keyboard
This section describes the features of the VAIO keyboard.
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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
INTERNET MUSIC PICTURE VIDEO HELP
MAIL
Num Lock Caps Lock Scroll Lock
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6
Esc F1 F2 F3 F4 F11F10F6 F9F8F7F5 F12
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Using your VAIO desktop
Keys Descriptions
Escape key (1) The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.
Function keys (2) The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to
Correction keys (3) The <Insert>, <Back Space> and <Delete> keys enable you to make
Lock keys (4) Press Caps Lock once to activate the uppercase characters. Use the Num
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Print Screen key (5) The <Prt Sc> key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and moves it
Numeric keypad area (6) This contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric
Navigation keys (7) These keys enable you to move the cursor on the screen.
Application key (8) The Applicati on key displays a shortcut menu; pressing this key is
Operator keys (9) Several keys are used in combination with at least one other key: <Ctrl>,
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perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, <F1> is the
Hel p key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one
application to another.
corrections when typing.
Lock key to activate the numerical keypad.
to the Windows® Clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a
document and print it.
keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such
as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press the <Num Lock> key
to activate the keypad.
equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.
<Alt> and <Shift>. When held down at the same time as another key, the
<Ctrl> (Control) and <Alt> (Alternate) keys offer another way to execute
commands. For example, in many applications, instead of choosing the
Save command from a menu, you can hold down <Ctrl> and press <S>
(referred to as <Ctrl>+<S>). The <Shift> key is used to type capital lett ers
or special symbols such as @ and $.
Using your VAIO desktop
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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Windows® key (10) The key with the Windows® logo displays the Windows® Start menu; it
is equivalent to clicking the St art button on the taskbar.
Shortcut keys (S Keys) (11) You can use these buttons, numbered 1 to 6, to launch straight into
assigned applications.
Indicator LEDs (12) A green light indicates whether the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll
Lock functions are active.
Standby button (13) Press this button either to start up your computer, or to enter Standby
mode, or to resume from a power saving mode.
Fn combination keys (14) These keys are used in combination with the <Fn > key to execute the
commands depicted within the box on the key.
Fn key (15) The <Fn> key is used in combination with 5 other keys to execute certain
commands.
Using your VAIO desktop
Combinations and functions with the Windows® key
Combinations Function
+ F1 Displays Windows® Help and Support
+ Tab Switches the selected button on the
+ E Displays My Computer.
+ F Displays the Search Results window to
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
+ Ctrl + F Displays the Search Results - Computers
+ M Minimizes all displayed windows.
Shift + + M
+ R Displays the Run window. This is
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Center.
taskbar.
find a file or folder. This is equivalent to
selecting Search from the Start menu.
window where you can locate other
computers.
Returns all minimized windows to their
previous size.
equivalent to selecting Run from the Start
menu.
Using your VAIO desktop
Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key
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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Combinations/
Functions
Feature
PgUp
Fn +
PgDn
Fn +
Home
Fn +
End
Fn +
ScrLk
Fn +
Moves the view to the next page up.
Moves the view to the next page down.
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.
Moves t he cursor to the end of the line.
Changes the way in which you can scroll the
screen, depending on the application.
Indicators
Light On Off
Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeri c
keypad are active.
Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase
as you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of
typed letters when Caps Lock is on.
Scroll Lock Turns on w hen the s creen scrolls differently (not
all applications support this function).
Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys
in the keypad area are active.
Turns off when the letters appear in lowercase
as you type (unless you hold down the <Shift>
key).
Turns off when the information moves across
the display normally.
Using your VAIO desktop
Using the shortcut keys
Press a shortcut key (S Key) to start your favourite software without having to click the shortcut icon on the
desktop.
Use an S Key simply by pressing it.
If you want to, you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the S Keys. All six buttons are
reprogrammable.
The programmable S Keys come with the following applications as their default settings:
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
S1 — Outlook Express
S2 — Internet Explorer
S3 — Sonic Stage
S4 — Digital Print
S5 — DVgate Motion
S6 — Help and Support
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Using your VAIO desktop
Using the mouse
The VAIO wheel mouse allows you to control the cursor in a number of ways. You can point to, select, drag,
and scroll objects on the screen using the buttons and the wheel.
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Function Action
point Move the entire mouse across a flat
surface to place the pointer on an item
or object.
click Press the left button (1) once.
double-click Press the left button twice.
right-click Press the right button (2) once. In
many applications, this action displays
a context-sensitive shortcut menu.
drag and drop Hold the left button down while
sliding the mouse. Then release the
button to drop the object.
scroll Turn the central wheel (3) to scroll up
or down a page. Or press the wheel
once to lock the scroll action and
control the movement by moving the
entire mouse. (The scroll function is
available only with applications that
support a scroll feature.)
✍ You can set the mouse up for left-hand use. See the
Troubleshooting (page 60) section for details.
Using your VAIO desktop
Using the CD and DVD drives
Depending on your model, your computer is equipped with either a DVD-RW and a CD-ROM drive, or a
CD-RW and a DVD-ROM drive*.
❑ The DVD-RW drive (top) reads data from a DVD and writes to a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc.
❑ The DVD-ROM drive (top) reads data from a DVD or CD.
❑ The CD-ROM drive (bottom) reads data from a music CD or other CD-ROM.
❑ The CD-RW drive (bottom) reads data from a CD and writes to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Always use the upper drive for the recovery procedures (see the Software Guide). The Recovery CDs will not
work in the lower drive.
To insert a disc, proceed as follows:
1 Turn on the computer.
2 Press the appropriate eject button to open the drive.
The tray slides out.
3 Place a disc in the tray with the label side facing upwards. Make sure the disc is secure in the centre of
the tray.
4 Close the tray by pushing it gently or by pressing the eject button.
✍ When the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert or remove a disc.
Be sure to seat the disc firmly in the tray. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your disc drive and you may not be able to open the tray.
When you have finished using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off before pressing the eject button to remove the disc.
If the disc does not come out when you press the eject button, go to My Compu ter. Select the dri ve, click the right button of your mouse and se lec t
Eject.
* See the Specifications for details on your model.
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Using your VAIO desktop
Writing CD/DVDs
Depending on the model, your computer is equipped with either a DVD-RW or a CD-RW drive, on which you
can play audio CDs/DVD videos and CD/DVD-ROMs, as well as create your own CD/DVD-RWs and CD/DVD-Rs.
To burn DVD/CDs, you can use DVD/CD-RW and DVD/CD-R discs:
❑ The CD/DVD-RW (ReWritable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write, erase and rewrite
a program or other data.
❑ The CD/DVD-R (Recordable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write a program or other
data, but then no more than once.
Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
To achieve optimum performance when writing data on a CD/DVD-RW disc, follow these recommendations:
❑ To make a CD/DVD-R’s data readable on another CD/DVD-ROM drive, you need to close the session when
you eject it. To complete this process, follow the instructions included with your software.
❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs with any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage
the disc drive.
❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc.
❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc.
❑ Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss. Deactivate these utilities before
writing data to a disc.
❑ When using a software application to burn CD/DVDs, make sure you exit and close all other applications.
❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing
errors.
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Playing DVDs
Your VAIO desktop includes a DVD drive, on which you can play audio CDs, CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.
To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should follow these recommendations:
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